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Zesty Lime Quinoa Spinach Salad
Nutritious quinoa salad with spinach, lime, and toasted almonds

Zesty Lime Quinoa Spinach Salad

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Salads
This salad is the perfect marriage of freshness and satisfying elements. The neutrality of quinoa is awakened by vibrant lime acids, while wilted spinach brings deeper, earthy flavors. Toasted almonds are not just a garnish but provide the crunchy texture that makes an otherwise soft dish exciting.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
⌛ Total Time 30 mins
🍽️ Servings 2 servings
🔥 Calories 410 kcal
🌍 Cuisine International

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Sieve for washing quinoa
  • Saucepan
  • Skillet for almonds and spinach
  • Salad bowl

Allergen Information

⚠️ Tree Nut (Almond)

Instructions

1 ✓

Wash quinoa thoroughly in hot water, then cook in double the amount of salted water. Boil for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed and grains soften.

Tip: Thorough washing removes bitter compounds (saponins) from the seed surface.
2 ✓

While quinoa cooks, toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned. Set aside to cool.

Tip: Heat activates oils in the almonds, creating a much more intense, nutty flavor.
3 ✓

In the same skillet, heat a little olive oil and toss in the washed spinach. Sauté just until wilted (1-2 mins), then remove from heat.

Tip: Brief heat breaks down cell walls, softening the spinach while keeping its bright green color.
4 ✓

Halve the cherry tomatoes. Roughly chop the cilantro.

Tip: Use a serrated knife for tomatoes to avoid squashing them.
5 ✓

In a large bowl, mix the warm quinoa with the wilted spinach and tomatoes. Squeeze lime juice over it, add remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Tip: Warm quinoa absorbs flavors better than cold.
6 ✓

Fold in fresh cilantro before serving and top with crispy almonds.

Tip: Add almonds last so they don't absorb moisture and stay crunchy.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but the texture is much better with fresh. If using frozen, squeeze out the liquid thoroughly after thawing.
What can I replace almonds with?
Toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds work great too.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Quinoa
  • 5 oz Fresh Spinach
  • 1 whole Lime
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Almonds (sliced or whole)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Cilantro